Extroversion & Introversion

Where do you focus your attention to get energised?

To get and indication of your preference, tick the statements below that best apply to you:

A- I like to talk through my ideas, share them with others, and to think out loud
B- I like to listen and think through my ideas before I share them

A- Enjoy brainstorming sessions at work, I like to be engaged and participate
B- Work brainstorming sessions can be frustrating for me. Often I think about an idea, and by the time I get to share it we’ve moved along

A- I sometimes say something and then regret it. I tell myself “when will you learn to keep our mouth shut?
B- I sometimes think of something to say for a while, often I don’t share it with others at all

A- After a day working with lots of people, or in a conference, there’s nothing better than going out for drinks and dinner
B- After a day working with people, there’s nothing better than retreating to my room and spend some time on my own, maybe reading a book or just reflecting about the day

A- I like to be active at work, to do different things
B- I like to do research, to have reflective time, to be on my own in the office

A- When going out with friends, I prefer large groups. I enjoy big parties.
B- When going out with friends, I prefer small groups; I don’t enjoy big parties and prefer intimate dinners with a few close friends

A- I’ve got a lot of friends and acquaintances
B- I’ve got a few, very good friends

A- I enjoy having a chat with people I’ve just met
B- It’s not easy for me to establish a conversation when I’ve just met someone.

A- At work, I prefer to go and see someone or give them a call to writing emails.
B- I dislike taking the phone and calling someone. If I do, my conversations are rather short. I prefer emailing people.

A- I dislike long, complicated jobs, especially if I have to do them on my own
B- I don’t mind working on my own for long periods of time

People with an extroverted preference tend to answer mostly A’s. Those with an introverted preference, mainly B’s.

What does it mean?

Introverted and extroverted tendencies refer to where people prefer to get their “energy” and focus their attention:

1- Extroverted: prefer to focus their attention outwards, going out, being active and relating to others and their environment.
2- Introverted: feel energised when going inside themselves, their thoughts, feelings and inner world.

Still unsure? Don’t worry, this is normal. Check through the keyword summary below, and see which set of words works better for you, which ones you think describe you better.

Be aware, that having a preference of Introversion doesn’t mean being shy. Extroverts are inclined to initiate, while introverts prefer to receive and reflect. While shyness has to do with feeling anxious when in presence of other people, and is independent of Extroversion and Introversion.

What’s your preference? What do you find frustrating about working with people with a different preference? What can you learn from them? How does it affect your work and your professional life?